How to Grow Blood Orange Ruby Navel
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Blood Orange Ruby Navel
Citrus × sinensis 'Ruby Navel'
treeA distinctive navel orange cultivar known for its deep red to crimson flesh and ruby-colored juice, developed through natural mutation. This tree produces medium to large seedless fruits with a sweet, slightly tart flavor profile and rich color that intensifies in cooler climates. The Ruby Navel is prized both for fresh consumption and ornamental appeal due to its stunning fruit appearance.
When should you plant Blood Orange Ruby Navel in your zone?
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Example Blood Orange Ruby Navel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blood Orange Ruby Navel
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blood Orange Ruby Navel
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blood Orange Ruby Navel dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-10; can be grown in zone 8b with frost protection
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Get my Blood Orange Ruby Navel timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1-2)
24 monthsYoung tree focuses on root development and canopy formation. Growth is relatively slow in first year as roots establish.
Water deeply and regularly; mulch base with 3-4 inches of organic material, keeping away from trunk. Stake young trees in windy areas. Avoid heavy pruning.
Vegetative Growth (Year 2-3)
12-18 monthsTree develops sturdy branching framework and expands canopy size. New leaves emerge in flushes, typically in spring and sometimes again in summer.
Prune to develop open vase-shaped canopy for air circulation. Remove crossing or inward-growing branches. Begin light fertilization in spring.
Pre-Flowering (Year 3-4)
12 monthsTree reaches maturity and begins producing flower buds. Canopy is well-established and vigorous.
Apply balanced citrus fertilizer (8-8-8) in early spring. Ensure consistent watering. Thin canopy if dense to improve light penetration.
Flowering and Fruit Set (Spring)
4-8 weeksFragrant white flowers appear in clusters, typically February-March in warmer climates. Small green fruit develops after successful pollination.
Do not fertilize during flowering; excess nitrogen reduces fruit set. Ensure regular watering. Reduce nitrogen after fruit set. Light thinning of excessive fruit may improve size.
Fruit Development and Ripening (Summer-Winter)
6-8 monthsFruit grows from pea-sized to mature size; color develops from green to orange to deep crimson-red. Red color intensification occurs in cooler months (fall-early winter).
Maintain consistent watering; irregular watering can cause fruit drop or splitting. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer monthly during this phase. Reduce watering slightly as fruit matures. Fruit ready to harvest when fully colored and slightly soft to touch.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune infested leaves; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on new growth; introduce parasitic wasps
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Horticultural oil spray; prune heavily infested branches; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity; spray with miticide or neem oil; ensure good air circulation
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Remove infested branches; spray insecticide; yellow sticky traps; notify local agricultural authorities if suspected
Uses
Fresh juice and breakfast fruit
CulinaryBlood oranges are prized for their striking crimson juice, perfect for fresh juice, smoothies, and eating fresh. The juice pairs beautifully with desserts, cocktails, and savory dishes. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidant source
MedicinalHigh in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and anthocyanins, blood oranges support immune function, skin health, and cardiovascular wellness. Traditional use as a citrus remedy. [source]
Culinary garnish and zest
CulinaryThe vibrant red flesh serves as an elegant garnish for desserts, salads, and plated dishes. Zest adds distinctive citrus flavor to baking, sauces, and beverages. [source]
Ornamental landscape tree
CraftThe tree's attractive form, fragrant spring flowers, and stunning ruby fruit make it valuable as an ornamental specimen in Mediterranean-style gardens or as a feature tree. [source]
Natural cleaning products
HouseholdCitrus peels contain d-limonene, useful in homemade cleaning solutions, degreasers, and air fresheners. The fragrant oil has natural antibacterial properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruit typically ripens November-February in warmer zones. Harvest when skin is fully deep crimson-red and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Fruit does not ripen further after picking. Cut with pruning shears leaving 1-2 inches of stem to prevent branch damage. Peak flavor and color development occurs with slight exposure to cool temperatures (50-60°F nights); avoid harvesting during frost warnings. Store at room temperature for sweetness or refrigerate for longer shelf life (3-4 weeks).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blood oranges owe their distinctive ruby-red color to anthocyanins, the same pigments that make blueberries blue and red wine red. This pigment develops more intensely when trees experience cool but frost-free nights during ripening.
- 🌱 The Ruby Navel is a natural mutation (chimeric sport) of regular Navel oranges, first discovered in Italy. Its seedless nature and striking appearance make it one of the most visually dramatic citrus varieties for home gardens.
- 🌱 A mature blood orange tree can produce 100-200+ pounds of fruit annually, with a lifespan of 50+ years, making it a long-term investment for citrus enthusiasts.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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